We were booked on flight SN2174, a mid morning departure from Manchester. Last time we flew between MAN and BRU had been on SN2174, but then the flight had been operated by the Sabena Boeing 737-300 OO-SDX. We were first in our check in queue, and we got seats in row 14, seats E and F, a window and a middle on the right side. It was wonderful to see the BRU label going on our bags, as I prefer to land in BRU than ANR.
After checking in, we headed to the cafe area for some spotting. It was a lovely warm sunny morning, and the World Tail Dash 8s were out in force again!
British Airways Dash 8 G-BRYW, displaying the "Poland" design on its tail fin.
We had to queue for ages to go through the security checkpoint into the departure lounge of terminal 3. This terminal is used by BA for most of their flights, and also American, bmi and Finnair, as well as SNBA, use the terminal. We were told eventually that we could go through the bmi screening queue, which we did.
Once in the departure lounge, we had a wide view of the apron. VLM were around, with the tatty OO-VLN being joined by the pristine and smart OO-VLV (still called "States of Guernsey").
The two VLM Fokker 50s.
The flight was to depart from gate 55, so we made our way down to the gate, and saw many American Airlines aircraft parked side by side, and close to where the SNBA aircraft would be arriving. A319 OO-SSK arrived on time, and I shot some great video of its arrival. The photo I got shows it parked at the gate. I would be having my first flight in an A319
OO-SSK shortly after arrival in MAN.
I was wearing what must be the most exclusive and distinctive tee shirt in the UK, my Luchtzak tee shirt, so no mistaking who I would be flying with today (and very proud to be known as flying on SNBA
)We were called to board, and we were greeted on the aircraft by two stewardesses. Another stewardess, and a steward, were standing at the back of the aircraft. The first thing that surprised me about the A319 was the all-leather configuration. Previously, the only all-leather aircraft I have flown in have been smaller regional types. This A319 was very comfortable, and I was impressed!
My view from the window at seat 14F. Nice to be able to see the little winglet!
We were pushed back from the terminal at 10:27 (English time) and music was played during the push back. The the overhead screens came down and the safety demonstration was shown. The "Connect" magazine was distributed before take off, unlike in March when we received it once airborne.
The "Connect" magazine.
Inside the A319. The guy standing up is the steward (none of the cabin crew were named on this flight so I don't know his name). The flight was full, great for SNBA!
We headed to runway 06L, and began our take off run at 10:37. At 10:38 we lifted off into the sunny sky.
Just after take off. We were making one of those steep turns, where you get a really good view of the land below, but just as my camera was ready, the aircraft began to level out
Another just after take off shot. To the right, you can see the runways of Manchester Airport.
The crew of the flight were very efficient, and the food was served very soon after taking off. We were given "peach normandie cake" and a carton of water. The cake tasted of that glaze put on fruit cakes to make the fruit shine, and not much else.
The "peach normandie cake" box.
The cloud soon increased, and we were flying over cloud for most of the flight. There was no turbulence at all during the flight.
We were told the flight would last around one hour, and at 12:15 (Belgium time) we crossed the coastline of Belgium in beautiful sunny weather for the second time this year! The Neuhaus chocolates were handed out, and I took three from the basket (2 green label and one yellow label).
At 12:27 the landing gear was lowered, and we descended smoothly to Brussels. At 12:30 we landed and saw the An124 through the right side windows. It was fantastic to be back again. We were 10 minutes early, and we taxied to the terminal and then had to wait for the bus to take us to the arrivals hall.
Our luggage arrived quickly, and all together, so we were able to leave BRU within good time. We ate in Pizza Hut Express and then went to catch our train to Brugge, via Brussels Noord. Great to be back and fantastic flight SNBA!!
(Slightly off topic, but can someone tell me what those projections on the aircraft wings are? I've indicated them with arrows and VC10 asked me what their purpose was, but I don't know
)
